Bearing the theme, “Inclusivity & Digital Citizenship Journeying Together Towards Catholic Integral Formation and Global Excellence,” which aims to promote inclusivity and digital literacy, student leaders from Saint Louis University (SLU) organizations and publications gathered at Fr. Francis Gevers Hall for the Louisian Convergence on 29 January 2024.
Supporting SDG 16 (Peace Justice and Strong Institutions) and the CICM Advocacy of Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation, the event was spearheaded by the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), Center for Counseling and Wellness (CCW), and Sunflower Child and Youth Wellness Center (SFW).
To kick off this year’s convergence, Executive Assistant to the President, Mr. Joselito Gutierrez shared the role of student leaders in the advocacy of Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM), followed by Community Extension and Outreach Program Office Chairperson, Charmaine Mendoza who introduced the role student leaders in community involvement.
Moreover, OSAS Assistant Director, Mr. Roman Bulatao tackled Inclusivity in the Eyes of Faith, which reminded the student leaders of the importance of their role in the organization. In addition, the discussion also promoted inclusivity within their organization.
SLU Sunflower Child and Youth Wellness Center Head, Ms. Jennifer Garcia, on the other hand, discussed important matters on mental health issues, including its management, and emphasized the importance of peer support and resilience during the talk, “Practicing Inclusion for At-Risk Peer.”
In the afternoon session, SLU alumni and guest speaker for Inclusivity and Gendered Lives, Dr. Rolando Mamaat, Jr., RPsy, LPT pointed out several gender inclusivity-related issues and encouraged the Louisian leaders to embrace the diversity of people.
For the Highlights of Verbistian Leadership, Bro. Jonel Damilag, CICM discussed the principles and context of CICM that became the foundation of its mission that its missionaries should possess.
Further, cybersecurity advocate, Sam Jacoba discussed pressing issues on data privacy and shared some ways on how to protect one’s self on cyberspaces in the Digital Citizenship: Championing Data Privacy symposium. (Villamor Dumlao)
